How to Choose Your Prenatal Care Provider

Regular prenatal care in Newark is an essential part of your pregnancy. Good prenatal care not only makes sure you stay healthy through your pregnancy, but also takes care of your baby’s health.

Evaluating your needs before you seek prenatal care

Choosing the right prenatal care provider involves a careful look at your needs as well as your baby’s. Depending on the type of pregnancy you are going through, the birth and delivery choices you have made, you must select a health care provider who is qualified to meet your needs. For instance, if you plan to have a home birth, you would require a prenatal care provider who can advise you with a natural delivery. If you have decided to have a hospital birth, your prenatal care provider must be experienced with a hospital setting. In case your pregnancy is high-risk, seek a health care provider who is qualified and experienced with special prenatal health and obstetrics.

Which type of prenatal care provider to choose?

In Newark, prenatal care providers can be of different types based on their training and specialization in the areas of prenatal care, childbirth and labor. Here is a brief overview of the different types:

• Obstetricians specialize in services related to pregnancy, childbirth and recovery after you deliver your baby

• Family physicians provide advice on all health aspects to the family as a whole. These doctors may continue to treat you and your baby later. While some doctors personally supervise your obstetric care, others refer another specialist for certain aspects of your pregnancy.

• Midwives are trained to provide complete care for pregnant women through birth and they also provide postpartum care for a specific period.

• Doulas are basically assistants who help during pregnancy delivery, offering physical and mental support. They usually work in tandem with a family physician, midwife or obstetrician.

Based on your specific needs, you can choose one or more of the above. Here are some tips to help you select the right type of Newark prenatal care provider for you:

• Look for a qualified and experienced prenatal care provider who has a good reputation and is compassionate enough to listen to your concerns. They must be patient and kind.

• Find out if the prenatal care provider is located conveniently, easy to access and associated with a reputable hospital.

• Is the health care provider covered by your insurance?

• Ask if you can expect phone consultations and emergency response?

• Interview your health care provider to get a firsthand feel of how you will get along

While it is easy to go with recommendations from your family or friends, it is important that you choose your Newark prenatal care providerbased on your own specific requirements as each woman’s needs are unique. Make a list of questions you would like to ask, no matter how trivial. Most prenatal care providers readily offer a free consultation to help you decide.